Joseph Kopser, a decorated Army veteran and successful technology entrepreneur, announced his candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives in District 47. Running as a Democrat, Kopser stated his commitment to breaking through partisan gridlock and focusing on results-driven leadership to address pressing issues facing Southwest Austin families, including rising costs, underfunded schools, and economic opportunities.
"I'm running for the Texas House because our community deserves a representative who rolls up their sleeves and gets to work—not engage in performative politics or culture wars," said Kopser. He emphasized that progress happens when leaders listen first and bring people together to solve problems, drawing on his 20 years in the Army and experience building Austin's innovation economy.
Kopser's background includes graduating from West Point with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and earning a master's from the Harvard Kennedy School. He served 20 years in the U.S. Army, earning the Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, and Bronze Star. He has taught Leadership and Strategy at UT Austin and West Point and serves as a special advisor for military and veteran affairs at the University of Texas. As co-founder of RideScout—acquired by Mercedes-Benz in 2014—and President of Grayline Group, Kopser has created jobs and strengthened Texas's tech and energy sectors. He was recognized as a White House Champion of Change and named a Future Texas Business Legend by the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2025.
In his 2018 run for Congress, Kopser built a bipartisan coalition that won the Democratic primary with a message of working across the aisle on jobs, education, and children's futures. His campaign raised over $3.1 million in under 18 months, the highest amount by any candidate across Texas's 36 congressional districts in Q4 2017. Emphasizing bipartisanship, he received more votes than any Democrat in Texas congressional history up to that point and drove record turnout, falling short by fewer than three points in a heavily gerrymandered race.
Kopser's platform prioritizes a strong economy for all, education for every child, and securing our kids' future. He pledges to fight for fully funded classrooms, competitive teacher pay, and education-to-career pipelines; support small businesses and high-wage careers in tech, energy, cybersecurity, and trades; and address infrastructure, public safety, and affordability. In his launch, he outlined four rules to change the game: stand up for healthcare, take on rising costs, broaden the coalition, and be wary of distractions to stay focused on kitchen table issues.
"MAGA Republicans control all branches of government in DC and in Texas. In Texas," Kopser stated. "It's time for Democrats to fight back smarter, build stronger, and get things done for Texas families. We can't keep running the same old playbook." He added that his personal story, including raising three daughters with his wife Amy, drives his motivation to ensure Texans feel proud raising their children in the state.
This announcement is significant as it introduces a candidate with a unique blend of military, entrepreneurial, and educational experience into a key Texas legislative race. Kopser's emphasis on bipartisanship and practical problem-solving addresses voter fatigue with partisan gridlock, potentially impacting policy discussions on education, economic development, and healthcare in Texas. His previous electoral performance demonstrates an ability to mobilize support and challenge incumbents, which could influence Democratic strategies in traditionally competitive districts. The campaign's focus on kitchen-table issues like rising costs and school funding directly affects District 47 residents, highlighting the importance of local representation in state government decisions that shape daily life. For more information, visit https://www.KopserForTexas.com.
